While involved in those activities I decided to finish the degree I had started at Kearney State College in Kearney, Nebraska. I began a 2 year, 3 day a week commute to ISU in Ames, Iowa. I graduated with honors and was the first in the education department at ISU to student teach in Mason City. I did this by working out an agreement with the ISU and UNI. In 1980 I began working for the Mason City Community School District, teaching in grades 2, 4, 5 and as a Title I Reading Specialist. While teaching for the Mason City School District I went on to earn my Masters in Education from Morningside College. I have always enjoyed challenges. I spent a summer in Yellowstone Park working for the park service. I also accepted a teaching assignment overseas in Portugal, working with children from 19 different countries, who spoke almost as many languages. I was a RAGBRAI participant for 6 years. And most recently chose, with my husband Alan to raise our granddaughter, Rachel Steckman.

The challenges I enjoy the most are bringing people together, listening and solving problems. While living in Cedar Rapids I was a member of the Marion Planning and Zoning Commission and President of the Cedar Rapids Welcome Wagon. In Mason City I was a member of the Mason City Education Association serving as President and later six years as Chief Negotiator. After retiring from the Mason City School District, I ran for and won my first term as the Representative from Mason City to the Iowa State Legislature. I enjoy the challenges of representing Mason City and the State of Iowa, helping both to prosper and grow, and I enjoy being be a part of the legislative process. During my freshman term in the Iowa Legislature I have served on six committees- Human Resources, Natural Resources, Ways and Means, Economic Growth, Education, and Education Appropriations. In October, 2009 I was elected by my peers to the Assistant Majority Leader position, taking the place of Rep. Mike Reasnor, and left the Education Appropriations committee in order to devote my energies to my new role. My husband, of 14 years, Alan and I share four children, Jon &, Matthew Pete and, Lisa & Aaron Steckman, and nine grandchildren. I am a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and help with the Trinity God Squad. In my spare time I enjoy golf, biking, gardening, hiking, and traveling.